CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Central Carolina Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $443
Cash Discount Price: $1,724
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Central Carolina Hospital is $443. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,724. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1135 Carthage St, Sanford, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,724

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$443

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,724 (707%)

Insurance Median: $443 (182%)

Cash: $1,724 (707% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $443 (182% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Humana	$231	95%
Veteran Family Member Program	$231	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$234 - $508	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$395 - $1,035	162%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina	$403	165%
Carolina Complete Health Inc.	$443	182%
Government Employees Health Association	$508	208%
Ambetter / Centene	$750	308%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $1,724.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72148.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Central Carolina Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72148.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.